Sensor for a Fingerboard Latch Assembly

ABSTRACT

A sensor assembly is provided for a fingerboard latch assembly that comprises: a latch bracket; bolts for mounting the latch bracket to a fingerboard; a latch; and a bracket pin rotatably supporting the latch on the latch bracket to allow rotation of the latch between an open position and a closed position. The sensor assembly has a mounting arrangement that mounts to the bolts, holding a closed-position proximity sensor probe facing downwardly for sensing proximity of a crank portion of the latch and/or the piston head in the closed position, and also holding an open-position proximity sensor probe facing forwardly for sensing proximity of an arm of the latch in the open position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. patent application is a continuation of and claims priority toU.S. Utility application Ser. No. 14/856,197 filed on Sep. 16, 2015which claims priority to United Kingdom Application Serial No. 1416466.9filed Sep. 17, 2014 and United Kingdom Application Serial No. 1502446.6filed Feb. 13, 2015, the disclosure of which is considered part of thedisclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety relates to a bead seater apparatus and a method forusing the same.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a sensor for a fingerboard latchassembly.

BACKGROUND

Fingerboards are used to store tubulars, for example drill pipes, drillcollars and casings, used in the oil and gas industry, for exampleadjacent to a drilling derrick on an oil or gas rig. An array ofhorizontally extending fingerboards are provided between which thetubulars are vertically stacked. Latches are used to secure tubularsbetween the fingerboards. The latches are provided as part offingerboard latch assemblies mounted to the fingerboards. A fingerboardlatch assembly typically comprises: a latch bracket; bolts for mountingthe bracket to a fingerboard; a latch; and a bracket pin rotatablysupporting the latch on the latch bracket, to allow rotation of thelatch between an open position and a closed position. The latch includesan arm extending forwardly from the bracket pin in the closed positionand a crank portion for attachment to a piston head, extendingrearwardly from the bracket pin in the closed position.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provideda sensor assembly for a fingerboard latch assembly, the sensor assemblycomprising:

a mounting arrangement that is mountable to the fingerboard latchassembly; and

at least one sensor probe held by the mounting arrangement, the sensorassembly being configured so that, when mounted, the sensor probe isarranged to sense the position of the latch.

By means of holding the sensor probe on the mounting arrangement that ismountable to the fingerboard latch assembly, the sensor probe may bearranged to sense the position of the latch in a precise and appropriatelocation.

The at least one sensor probe may comprise at least one proximity sensorprobe arranged to sense proximity of a portion of the latch. In thismanner, the sensor probe may be arranged to sense when the latch is in aparticular position.

In one example, the at least one sensor probe may comprise aclosed-position proximity sensor probe. In this case, the sensorassembly may be configured so that, when mounted, the closed-positionproximity sensor probe is arranged to sense proximity of the crankportion of the latch and/or the piston head in the closed position. Itis advantageous to sense the closed position, because this is theposition in which the tubular is safely held. In contrast, if only theopen position is sensed then absence of detecting the open positionrisks a failure if the latch is stuck between the open and closedpositions.

Generally, the sensor probe may face downwardly. This allows the sensorassembly to be positioned on top of the fingerboard latch assembly withthe sensor probe facing and therefore sensing the crank portion of thelatch and/or the piston head. Such a downwardly facing sensor probe maycomprise a closed-position proximity sensor probe.

Such a downwardly facing sensor probe may comprise an antenna having agreater extent in a first direction than in a second direction. Thefirst direction may be an axis about which the latch rotates. Thisallows sensing of the closed position without reduced dependence onmovement of the latch in the first direction, thereby increasing thereliability of detection.

In another example, the at least one sensor probe may comprise anopen-position proximity sensor probe. In this case, the sensor assemblymay be configured so that, when mounted, the open-position proximitysensor probe is arranged to sense proximity of the arm of the latch inthe open position.

Generally, the sensor probe may face forwardly. This allows the sensorassembly to be positioned on top of the fingerboard latch assembly withthe sensor probe facing and therefore sensing the latch. Such aforwardly facing sensor probe may comprise an open-position proximitysensor probe.

Such a forwardly facing sensor probe may comprise plural antennae thatare spaced apart. This allows sensing proximity of arms having differentshapes.

Advantageously, the at least one sensor probe may comprises both aclosed-position proximity sensor probe and an open-position proximitysensor probe. In this case, the single sensor assembly can determineboth positions of the latch. This allows fault detection as the systemcan measure whether the latch is open, closed, or there is a fault andthe latch is stuck between the two states.

The sensor assembly may be mounted to the fingerboard latch assembly bymeans of a rigid sensor bracket for mounting to a pair of the bolts onopposite sides of the fingerboard latch assembly. This has the advantageof allowing the sensor assembly to be mounted using bolts that may beprovided to mount the fingerboard latch assembly to a fingerboard.Furthermore, this provides a rigid and robust mounting for the sensorassembly.

The sensor assembly may further comprise a sensor circuit held by themounting arrangement and connected to the at least one sensor probe.

The mounting assembly may further comprise a resilient clip arranged toengage the latch bracket for positioning the mounting assembly. Thisallows the sensor to be mounted in a precise location to an existingfingerboard arrangements without further modification.

The sensor assembly may further comprise a stent held by the mountingarrangement and containing an electrical cable connected to the sensorcircuit for connection to an external circuit. In this case, the sensorassembly may be configured so that, when mounted, the stent ispositioned extending through an aperture in a latch bracket of thefingerboard latch assembly that provides clearance between the latchbracket and the latch. This arrangement allows for safe and efficientrouting of the electrical interface cables between the fingerboards andenclosure.

The or each probe may be an electromagnetic probe. The sensor circuitmay comprise an oscillator circuit, optionally a marginal oscillatorcircuit, arranged to drive oscillation in the at least one sensor probe,and a detection circuit arranged to detect at least one characteristicof the oscillation.

The sensor assembly may be mounted to a fingerboard latch assembly thatcomprises: a latch bracket; bolts for mounting the bracket to afingerboard; a latch; and a bracket pin rotatably supporting the latchon the latch bracket to allow rotation of the latch between an openposition and a closed position. The latch may include an arm extendingforwardly from the bracket pin in the closed position and a crankportion for attachment to a piston head, extending rearwardly from thebracket pin in the closed position.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provideda sensor system for a fingerboard latch assembly that comprises a latch,the sensor system comprising:

a sensor probe arranged to sense the position of the latch;

a sensor circuit connected to the at least one sensor probe and arrangedto derive a signal representing the position of the latch; and

a processor arranged to determine at least one parameter of the motionof the latch from the signal representing the position of the latch.

Thus, the sensor system provides at t least one parameter of the motion,for example speed, acceleration, overshoot, vibration and offsets.

The processor may be arranged to analyze the determined parameter of themotion of the latch to predict failure of the latch. This is usefulinformation for performing predictive maintenance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way ofnon-limitative example with reference to the accompanying drawings, ofwhich

FIG. 1 is a photograph illustrating the typical configuration of astandard fingerboard array;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the first latch assembly;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the first latch assembly;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the first latch assembly;

FIG. 5 is a close view of the latch pivot point, showing the variouscomponents;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the second latch assembly;

FIG. 7 is a rear view of the second latch assembly;

FIG. 8 is a top view of the second latch assembly;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the second latch assembly;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first sensor assembly;

FIG. 11 is a rear orthographic projection of the first sensor assembly;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the second sensor assembly;

FIG. 13 is a rear view of the second sensor assembly;

FIG. 14 is a view of the first sensor assembly mounted on the firstlatch assembly;

FIG. 15 is a view of the second sensor assembly mounted on the secondlatch assembly;

FIG. 16 is a view of the downwardly facing sensor probe;

FIG. 17 is a view of the forwardly facing sensor probe;

FIGS. 18 to 22 are various perspective views of the sensor enclosure,with different internal components visible;

FIG. 23 is a side orthographic projection of the latch pivot point,showing the rear spring clips;

FIG. 24 is a rear orthographic projection of the latch pivot point,showing the side spring clips;

FIG. 25 is an illustration of three different latch positions for thearrangement in FIG. 14;

FIG. 26 is an illustration of three different latch positions for thearrangement in FIG. 15;

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing how the external cable is routed with thepneumatic hoses;

FIG. 28 is a diagram of the electronic circuit connected to a sensorprobe;

FIG. 29 is a schematic showing the sensor circuit including connectionsbetween all the sensor probes; and

FIG. 30 is a block diagram illustrating the power and communicationcircuit.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows the construction of a standard array of fingerboards 1,each with plural latches 5. The latches 5 are provided each as part ofrespective fingerboard latch assemblies 2 mounted in arrays along thefingerboards 1.

Two types of fingerboard latch assembly 2 will be described, the firsttype being for retaining a drill collar and the second type being forretaining a drill pipe or casing. The two types of fingerboard latchassembly 2 have a construction that is generally the same, except thatthe shape of the latch 5 is different, as appropriate to retaindifferent types of tubular, with a corresponding change in width of thelatch bracket on which the latch 5 is supported. Therefore a commondescription using common reference numerals is given. The followingdescription applies equally to both the first and second types offingerboard latch assembly 2, except where specific reference is made toone of the first and second types.

FIGS. 2 to 5 show a fingerboard latch assembly 2 of the first type andFIGS. 6 to 9 show a fingerboard latch assembly 2 of the second type. Thefingerboard latch assembly 2 comprises a latch bracket 3 that comprisesa latch bracket head 3 a and an elongated body 3 b extending downwardlyfrom the bracket head 3 a. The fingerboard latch assembly 2 is mountedto a fingerboard 1 using bolts 4 attached through bolt apertures 3 c inthe latch bracket 3. The fingerboard latch assembly 2 also comprises alatch 5 and pneumatic cylinder 6, both secured to the latch bracket 3.

The fingerboard latch assembly 2 further comprises a bracket pin 7connecting the latch 5 and bracket head 3 a. The bracket pin 7 providesa pivot point allowing rotation of the latch 5 between an open andclosed position.

The latch 5 comprises an arm 5 a that, in the closed position of thelatch 5, extends forwardly from the bracket pin 7 for restraining atubular. In the open position of the latch 5, the arm 5 a of the latch 5extends upwards from the bracket pin 7, allowing removal of a tubular.The arm 5 a of the latch 5 is a movable metal member that creates thevoid between the fingerboards 1 for the tubulars to be secured.

The latch 5 also comprises a crank portion 5 b that extends rearwardlyfrom the bracket pin 7. The latch bracket head 3 a has an aperture 9 toprovide clearance between the latch bracket 3 and the crank portion 5 b,as the latch 5 rotates.

The pneumatic cylinder 6 comprises a piston head 10 which is connectedto the crank portion 5 b by way of a latch/cylinder pin 11. A split pin12 prevents the latch/cylinder pin 11 from falling out of the pistonhead 10, and a washer 13 provides a wear barrier between the split pin12 and piston head 10. Thus, the pneumatic cylinder 6 drives rotation ofthe latch 5 between the open and closed positions.

Two types of sensor assembly 14 will be described, the first type ofsensor assembly 14 being for the first type of fingerboard latchassembly 2 and the second type of sensor assembly 14 being for thesecond type of fingerboard latch assembly 2. The two types of sensorassembly 14 have a construction that is generally the same, except thatthe shape of the sensor bracket 15 is different, as appropriate to fitthe different width of the latch bracket head 3 a on which it ismounted. Therefore a common description using common reference numeralsis given. The following description applies equally to both the firstand second types of sensor assembly 14, except where specific referenceis made to one of the first and second types.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the first type of sensor assembly 14 andFIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the second type of sensor assembly 14.

The sensor assembly 14 comprises a sensor bracket 15 and an enclosure 16which holds a sensor circuit 100 as described below. The sensor bracket15 is a rigid integral member, made of metal, that forms a mountingarrangement for mounting the sensor assembly 14 to the fingerboard latchassembly 2. The sensor bracket 15 has two bolt apertures 15 a throughwhich the bolts 4 may be fixed for mounting the sensor bracket 15 to thefingerboard latch assembly 2. The bolt apertures 15 a are arranged onopposite sides of the fingerboard latch assembly 2 and the sensorbracket 15 extends therebetween. The sensor bracket 15 holds the othercomponents of the sensor assembly 14.

The sensor bracket 15 has an arched portion 15 b extending over, andfixed to, the enclosure 16. The enclosure 16 is arranged in the sensorbracket 15 so that a downwardly facing sensor probe 25 and a forwardlyfacing sensor probe 26 are formed on surfaces of the enclosure 16 asdiscussed below. Foam 17 is provided between the sensor bracket 15 andthe enclosure 16 to prevent the ingress of water and the action offreezing between the top of the enclosure 16 and the underside of thesensor bracket 15. The sensor assembly 14 also comprises resilientspring clips 18 attached to the sensor bracket 15 around the boltapertures 15 a. The resilient spring clips 18 are arranged to engage thelatch bracket head 3 a for positioning the mounting assembly 14. Thisaids alignment on installation, as described further below.

The sensor assembly 14 includes a stent 19 held by the sensor bracket 15and containing an electrical cable connected to the sensor circuit 100for connection to an external circuit. The stent 19 guides the cablethrough a complex routing, in particular by being configured so that,when mounted, it is positioned extending through the aperture 9 in thelatch bracket head 3 a that provides clearance between the latch 5 andthe bracket 3. The sensor assembly 14 also includes a stent support 20having a configuration matching that of the stent 19 so that, whenmounted, the support member 20 also extends through the aperture 9 inthe latch bracket head 3 a. The stent support 20 doubles up the strengthof the stent 19 and also provides sensor alignment.

The stent support 20 further comprises a top brace 21 extending betweenthe stent 19 and the support member 20 to mechanically connect the twostents together, to strengthen the stent 19 and stent support 20 andincrease the stent assembly resonant frequency. A further bottom brace22 extends between the stent 19 and the support member 20 tomechanically connect the stent 19 and stent support 20 and to transferpart of the vibration load from the stent 19 to the stent support 20.

The top brace 21 and bottom brace 22 further comprise two vibrationdampers 23 mounted to each brace 21 and 22. When the sensor assembly 14is mounted, the vibration damper engages the bracket 3. This serves thepurpose of protecting the stents from the action of metal against metalwear and also provide an element of dampening to vibrations.

The stent 19 also comprises an M12 electrical connector 24 on the end ofthe cable contained in the stent 19, to provide an electromechanicalconnection for the cable to an external cable 42.

FIG. 14 illustrates the first type of sensor assembly 14 mounted on thefirst type of fingerboard latch assembly and FIG. 15 illustrates thesecond type of sensor assembly 14 mounted on the second type offingerboard latch assembly. By means of holding the sensor probes 25 and26 by the sensor bracket 15 that is mountable to the latch bracket head3 a of the fingerboard latch assembly 14, the sensor probes 25 and 26are mounted in a precise and appropriate location, allowing sensing ofthe position of the latch. By using the bolts 4, the mounting isreliable and robust.

The downwardly facing sensor probe 25 and the forwardly facing sensorprobe 26 are now discussed. In this embodiment, the downwardly facingsensor probe 25 and the forwardly facing sensor probe 26 are inductiveprobes formed by coils. The downwardly facing sensor probe 25 senses theclosed position, which is the position in which the tubular is safelyheld. If only the open position were to be sensed then absence ofdetecting the open position risks a failure if the latch is stuckbetween the open and closed positions. By providing both a downwardlyfacing sensor probe 25 and a forwardly facing sensor probe 26, thesensor assembly 14 can determine both positions of the latch. Thisallows fault detection as the system can measure whether the latch 5 isopen, closed, or if the latch 5 is stuck between the open and closedstates in a fault condition.

As shown in FIG. 16, the downwardly facing sensor probe 25 is formed onthe lowermost surface of the enclosure 16. In this configuration, whenthe sensor assembly 14 is mounted, the downwardly facing sensor probe 25faces downwardly for sensing the crank portion 5 b portion of the latch5 and/or the piston head 10. In this embodiment, the downwardly facingsensor probe 25 is a closed-position proximity sensor probe that sensesthe latch 5 in the closed position.

The downwardly facing sensor probe 25 comprises a single spiral coil 80having a greater extent in a direction parallel to the bracket pin 7than in a direction rearwardly of the bracket pin 7. Hereinafter, thisis referred to as a race-track coil 80. The race-track coil 80 operatesas an antenna. With this shape of the race-track coil 80, the downwardlyfacing sensor probe 25 detects the piston head 10, washer 13 and crankportion 5 b portion of the latch 5, around the latch pivot effort point,when the latch 5 is in the closed position. The design of the latch 5allows for movement of the piston head 10 movement between the latch 5pivot effort point and movement between the latch 5 and the latchbracket head 3 a. The race-track coil 80 is designed to be longer thanthe total movement, and therefore is insensitive to the movement.

As shown in FIG. 17, the forwardly facing sensor probe 26 is formed onthe forward-facing surface 27 of the enclosure 16 (the surface facing inthe same direction as the arm of the latch in the closed position, i.e.the surface 27 of the enclosure visible in each of FIGS. 10, 12, 14 and15). In this configuration, when the sensor assembly 14 is mounted, theforwardly facing sensor probe 26 faces forwardly for sensing the arm 5 aof the latch 5. In this embodiment, the forwardly facing sensor probe 26is an open-position proximity sensor probe that senses the latch 5 inthe open position.

The forwardly facing sensor probe 26 comprises three coils 28 spacedapart for sensing of arms 5 a having different shapes. Latches 5 come inmany different shapes to deal with different size tubulars. The latches5 shown in FIGS. 4 and 8 are two examples, but many other shapes arealso available. By forming the forwardly facing sensor probe 26 asplural coils 28 (in this example three coils, although in general theremay be any plural number) that are spaced apart, detection is providedof different shapes of latch 5 that have a part overlapping at least oneof the coils 28 in the open position. For example, FIG. 17 includesthree alternative latches 5 of different shapes overlaid in the diagramshowing that each of the latches 5 overlaps one of the three coils 28.

The construction of the enclosure 16 is now described in more detail.The enclosure 16 in various stages of assembly is shown in FIGS. 18 to22 which are perspective views in which some parts are showntransparently for clarity.

The enclosure 16 is assembled as follows.

First, the components shown in FIG. 18 are assembled. These componentsare as follows. The body 16 a of the enclosure 16 is formed from PEEK(polyether ether ketone) to provide a chemically resistant, strongenclosure. At this stage the enclosure 16 has no uppermost lid, to allowaccess to the inside of the enclosure 16.

A flexible PCB 29 (printed circuit board) extends around the forward andlowermost surfaces of the inside of the enclosure 16. The flexible PCB29 is attached to the enclosure 16 by adhesive tape. The coils 80 and 28of the sensor probes 25 and 26 are etched onto the flexible PCB 29.

A rigid PCB 30 carries the sensor circuit 100 whose components aredescribed below.

A flexible to rigid PCB connection 31 provides a permanent connectionbetween the flexible PCB 29 and the rigid PCB 30. This provides nomechanical connection which increases durability of the connection.

The stent 19 and the support member 20 both extend into the enclosure16. O-rings 32 are provided around the stent 19 and the support member20 at the entry point, to stop the potting compound running out duringcuring and avoid moisture ingress during use.

The assembly order is:

-   1. Clean enclosure 16.-   2. Stick flexible PCB 29 to the inside of the enclosure.-   3. Insert stent assembly.-   4. Insert O-rings 32.

Next, the components shown in FIG. 19 are assembled. These componentsare as follows.

A bottom insert 33 is provided inside the enclosure below the rigid PCB30 to mechanically hold the stent 19 and support member 20 and tosupport the rigid PCB 30 in place.

Solid insulation 34 is provided between the rigid PCB 30 and the stent19 and support member 20.

The assembly order continues:

-   5. Insert bottom insert.-   6. Fold over rigid PCB to rest on bottom insert.-   7. Insert solid insulation over stent 19.-   8. Solder the wires exiting the stent 19 to the rigid PCB.

Next, the components shown in FIG. 20 are assembled. These componentsare as follows.

A top insert 36 is provided inside the enclosure 16 above the rigid PCB30 to mechanically hold the stent 19 and support member 20 and tosupport the rigid PCB 30 in place.

Stent pins 35 mechanically hold the stent 19 and support member 20 inplace

The assembly order continues:

-   9. Insert top insert 36.-   10. Insert stent pins 35.

Next, the components shown in FIG. 21 are assembled. These componentsare as follows.

A rivet plate 37 is attached inside the rearward surface of theenclosure 16 to distribute the load of the rivets across the back faceof the enclosure 16. The rivet plate 37 also has foam 38 stuck on theinside face to prevent potting compound leaking out of the enclosure 16and to allow the rivets to expand on insertion.

The assembly order continues:

-   11. Insert rivet plate 37.-   12. Fill enclosure 16 with potting compound to top of enclosure.-   13. Wait for potting compound to set.

Finally, the components shown in FIG. 21 are assembled. These componentsare as follows.

A lid 16 b is ultrasonically welded to the body 16 a of the enclosure16, thereby completing the enclosure 16 to protect the potting compoundfrom chemical attack and to provide an aesthetical finish.

The assembly order continues:

-   14. Ultrasonically weld lid 16 b.-   15. Rivet enclosure 16 and stent assembly to bracket.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show how the spring clips 18 engage the latch brackethead 3 a for positioning the mounting assembly.

The spring clips 18 include a rear spring clip portion 18 a shown inFIG. 23 which engages the top of the rear wall of the latch bracket head3 a to provide location assistance during installation. The rear springclip portions 18 a urge the sensor assembly 14 backwards until thevibration dampers 23 touch the inside wall of the aperture 9 of thelatch bracket head 3 a.

The spring clips 18 include a side spring clip portion 18 b shown inFIG. 24 which engages the top of the side wall of the latch bracket head3 a to provide location assistance during installation. The side springclip portions 18 b urge the sensor assembly 14 in opposite sidewaysdirections to locate the sensor assembly 14 in the middle of the latchbracket head 3 a.

FIG. 25 shows the location of the stent 19 and the support member 20when the first type of sensor assembly 14 is mounted to the first typeof fingerboard latch assembly 2. Three different positions of the latch5 are shown as follows.

The diagram ‘Latch open’ shows the latch 5 in the open position and thediagram ‘Latch closed’ shows the latch 5 in the closed position. In eachcase, the diagrams show the routing of the stent 19 and support member20 inside the aperture 9 of the latch block assembly with closeproximity to the rear wall of the aperture 9. In each case, the diagramsalso show the top vibration dampers 23 resting against a rear surface ofthe aperture 9, which assists with accurate location of the stent 19,and the bottom vibration dampers 23 separated from the latch brackethead 3 a.

The diagram ‘Piston pin worst case’ shows the latch 5 in a positionbetween the open position and the closed position in which the pistonhead 10 and crank portion 5 b come closest to the stent 19 and supportmember. However, a clearance is nonetheless provided around the stent 19and support member 20.

FIG. 26 shows the location of the stent 19 and support member 20 whenthe second type of sensor assembly 14 is mounted to the second type offingerboard latch assembly 2. Three different positions of the latch 5are shown as follows.

The diagram ‘Latch open’ shows the latch 5 in the open position and thediagram ‘Latch closed’ shows the latch 5 in the closed position. In eachcase, the diagrams show the routing of the stent 19 and support member20 inside the aperture 9 of the latch block assembly with closeproximity to the rear wall of the aperture 9. In each case, the diagramsalso show the bottom vibration dampers 23 resting against a rear surfaceof the aperture 9, which assists with accurate location of the stent 19,and the top vibration dampers 23 separated from the latch bracket head 3a.

The diagram ‘Piston pin worst case’ shows the latch 5 in a positionbetween the open position and the closed position in which the pistonhead 10 and crank portion 5 b come closest to the stent 19 and supportmember 20. However, a clearance is nonetheless provided around the stent19 and support member 20.

The sensor assembly 14 is mounted to the fingerboard latch assembly 2 byperforming the following steps:

1. Route the external cable 42 up through the fingerboard 1 and upthrough the aperture 9 of the latch bracket head 3 a.

2. Remove two rear bolts 4 from the latch bracket head 3 a and insertthrough the sensor bracket 15.

3. Connect the external cable harness to the M12 connector 24

4. Guide the stent 19 and support member 20 of the sensor assembly 14down through the aperture 9 in the latch bracket head 3 a and locate thesensor bracket 15 on the latch bracket head 3 a.

5. Insert the bolts 4 through the sensor bracket 15 and latch brackethead 3 a and tighten.

The external cable 42 is routed through the fingerboard 1 along the samechannels as pneumatic hoses 43 which are connected to the pneumaticcylinder 6, as shown in FIG. 27.

The sensor circuit 100 that is connected to the downwardly facing sensorprobe 25 and to the forwardly facing sensor probe 26 will now bedescribed.

FIG. 28 shows part of the sensor circuit 100 in respect of one of thecoils 80 or 28 and FIG. 29 shows the sensor circuit 100 in respect ofall the coils 80 and 28.

Each coil 80 or 28 is connected in parallel with a capacitor 46 to forma tank circuit 45. Although in this example, the probes 25 and 26comprise an inductive element, i.e. a coil 80 or 28, in general, thetank circuit 45 could include any arrangement of inductive element andcapacitive elements, one of which forms the probe.

The sensor circuit 100 includes an oscillator circuit 63 which in thisexample is a marginal oscillator. The oscillator circuit 63 is arrangedto drive oscillation in the coil 80 or 28. The oscillator circuit 63includes a non-linear drive circuit implemented by a limiter 47. Thelimiter 47 provides differential signaling in that it outputs adifferential signal pair of complementary signals 48. The complementarysignals 48 are each formed with respect to a common ground, but inanti-phase with each other, although they may have unbalancedamplitudes. Thus, the overall signal appearing across the tank circuit45 is the difference between the complementary signals 48 and isindependent of the ground.

The limiter 47 is supplied with a single one of the complementarysignals 48, which is DC coupled to one of the inputs of the limiter 47.The other input 49 of the limiter 47 is supplied with a fixed voltage ofhalf the bias voltage. The limiter 47 amplifies and limits that one ofthe complementary signals 48 to provide the differential signal pair.

The differential signal pair of complementary signals 48 output by thelimiter 47 are supplied across the tank circuit 45 through a currentsource stage formed by a pair of resistors 50 that operate as currentsources and each receive one of the limited outputs. Thus, the currentsource stage converts the voltage of the input into a current. As analternative to the resistors 50, the current sources could be anothertype of passive element, for example a capacitor, or an active componentsuch as a semiconductor device or an amplifier. The feedback of thecomplementary signals 48 from the tank circuit 45 to the limiter 47 ispositive and in combination with the action of the limiter 47 builds upand sustains the oscillation of the tank circuit 45 at the naturalfrequency of the tank circuit 45.

Differential signaling on the output of the limiter 47 provides fastguaranteed oscillator start up. Using complementary signals 48 withunbalanced amplitudes, using a stronger feedback on the non-invertingoutput, means that the limiter 47 will self-oscillate providing astimulus for the tank circuit 45 to start oscillating.

The differential signaling also allows for fault detection. In the eventof the coil 80 or 28 becoming open circuit there will be no oscillation,and in the event of the coil 80 or 28 becoming shorted or the capacitor46 failing open or short, the oscillator will oscillate at a very highfrequency. Both of these fault states can be sensed to provide faultdetection.

The oscillator circuit 63 may be a Robinson marginal oscillator in whichthe non-linear drive circuit comprises a separate gain stage and limiterstage, and may have the construction disclosed in detail inPCT/GB2014/051886 which is incorporated herein by reference.

The sensor circuit 100 also includes a detection circuit 64 arranged todetect the frequency of the oscillation in the tank circuits 45. Thatfrequency is a characteristic of the oscillation that is dependent onthe electromagnetic properties of the tank circuits 45, in particular ofthe coils 80 or 28. Hence the detected frequency varies in dependence onthe position of the sensed component (latch 5 and/or piston head 10),thereby being a signal that represents the position of the latch 5.

In general, other characteristics of the oscillation, such as theamplitude, could alternatively or additionally be detected.

In particular, the detection circuit 64 comprises a frequency counter 52that is arranged to detect the frequency of the oscillation in the tankcircuit 45. The frequency counter 52 is implemented in a microcontroller53. The frequency counter 52 is supplied with one of the outputs of thelimiter 47 in respect of each coil 80 or 28.

The oscillator circuits 63 of the coils 80 or 28 are operated in a timesequential manner so that only one is enabled any one time to preservepower. The limiters 47 have an enable pin which is controlled to powerdown the oscillator circuit 63.

A single frequency counter 52 is provided for each coil 80 or 28. Thesignals in respect of each coil 80 or 28 are provided through respectivetri-state buffers 51 that are controlled to prevent spurious frequencyreadings from being measured from oscillators that are not enabled. Thebuffers 51 provide a high to low impedance path for the output andtherefore do not put unnecessary loading on the oscillator circuit 63.

The signals are supplied to frequency counter 52 through a flip-flop 54that divides the frequency by two to reduce power consumption and tobring the oscillation frequency down for convenient implementation ofthe frequency counter 52 in the microcontroller 53.

The frequency range of operation is as follows. Each oscillator circuit63 has a natural frequency at which oscillation occurs that is dependenton the inductance of the coil 80 or 28 and the capacitance of theparallel capacitor 46. The frequency is chosen to provide a variation inthe oscillation frequency between the open and closed positions. Forexample, the frequency may be selected to be about 30 MHz. Preferably,the frequency is separated from 25 MHz because that is a commonly usedfrequency used on offshore drilling platforms.

With this type of sensor including probes 25 and 26 that are inductiveprobes and an oscillator circuit 63 which is a marginal oscillator, therange of operation of the sensor arrangement is approximately theoverall diameter of the coils 80 or 28 which for the both the latch openand closed condition coils is about 10 mm. Beyond 10 mm the signal tonoise ratio is too low to make use of the readings, unless further noisereduction is implemented.

As described above, the detected frequency output by the frequencycounter is a position signal that represents the position of the latch5. A processor, which may be the microcontroller 53 or an externalprocessor 70, may process this signal. The external processor 70 may beof any type, for example a conventional PC. The processing may beimplemented by the external processor 70 executing a computer program.

When the sensor probes 25 and 26 are used as proximity sensor probes,the position signal may be used to detect proximity of the sensedcomponent (latch 5 and/or piston head 10) to the sensor probes 25 and26, i.e. whether the latch 5 is in the closed position or the openposition, respectively. The position signal may be used to determineother parameters of the motion of the latch 5 from the measuredfrequency, for example speed, acceleration, overshoot, vibration andoffsets. Such parameters may be further processed to analyze and predictlatch behavior, condition and predict failure. This is usefulinformation for predictive maintenance.

Besides the sensor circuit 100, a power and communication circuit 55shown in FIG. 30 is also implemented on the rigid PCB 30 inside theenclosure, as follows.

The sensor circuit 100 is powered and communicates via 2 wires (usingstandard analog 4-20 mA signaling). The interface is known as a 4-20 mAcurrent loop. The sensor circuit 100 controls the amount of current thatthe sensor circuit 100 uses, this current being monitored by the user ofthe sensor circuit 100. Predetermined current levels are used toindicate specific states of the latch 5, for example signaling the latchstates by the following current draws:

-   14-16 mA—Latch 5 open-   16-18 mA—Latch 5 between open and closed-   18-20 mA—Latch 5 closed

Other currents draws may be used to signal faults with the sensorcircuit 100 or wiring.

To implement this the power and communication circuit includes thefollowing elements.

The external power signal is supplied through EMC and IECEx protection56, to protect the sensor against EMC (electromagnetic compatibility)threats and to protect the sensor from generating sparks (in accordancewith standards set by IECEx).

The external power is supplied through a 4-20 mA Current Control block57, which varies the current draw under the control of themicrocontroller 53. The output of the microcontroller 58 is a PWM (pulsewidth modulation) signal so a PWM to Voltage converter 59 is providedbetween the microcontroller 53 and the 4-20 mA Current Control block 57.

The 4-20 mA Current Control block 57 is also controlled by a HART(Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) modem 60 for sending andreceiving digital data, for example to and from an external processor70. The HART modem 60 may be used to transmit the measured frequency,and/or parameters of the motion of the latch 5 where determined by themicrocontroller to an external processor 70. The HART modem 60 may alsobe used to transmit diagnostics information about the condition of thefingerboard latch assembly 2. The diagnostics that the sensor assembly14 could collect would be the opening and closing transient waveformswhich could indicate possible failure of the latch mechanism.

The external power is supplied through a 4-20 mA Current Control 57block to a voltage regulator 61 through a supply current limiter 62 thatlimits the amount of current available to the voltage regulator 61. Thisis in case the sensor develops a fault, and prevents the sensor drawinga level of current that might be recognized as a valid latch state.

The voltage regulator 61 is built from a switch mode power supply (SMPS)and a linear regulator. The SMPS efficiently reduces the input voltageand the linear regulator smooths the output of the SMPS to provide aclean stable supply.

As discussed above, the oscillator circuits 63 time sequentiallyoperated to reduce the overall power consumption, which also allows moresignaling headroom for the 4-20 mA signaling.

In the above example, the sensor circuit 100 operates as a proximitysensor and the proximity sensor probes 80 or 28 are proximity sensorprobes thereof. However, this type of sensor is not limitative and othertypes of sensor could be provided as follows. In general, the sensor maybe any type of position sensor that detects the position of the latch 5.The sensor may be a proximity sensor that detects proximity of a portionof the latch 5 to the sensor probe 25 or 26.

Although the probes 25 and 26 comprise coils 80 or 28 in the aboveexamples, more generally the probe 25 or 26 may be any type ofelectromagnetic probe, for example an antenna. In general, theelectromagnetic probe may be capacitive and/or inductive.

Forming the oscillator circuit 63 as a marginal oscillator providesadvantages of good range and stable operation, but in general the sensorcould use probes 25 and 26 as described above but with a different typeof oscillator circuit 63. In general any type of oscillator circuit 63could be used so as long as the active device could sustain thefrequency of operation. Ideally good frequency stability would beprovided so that only the sensed components of the fingerboard latchassembly 2 change the frequency. Some oscillator topologies haveinter-element capacitances for example if a transistor is operating inthe non-linear portion of its characteristics, there may be variationsin transistor parameters which in turn affect the oscillator frequency.

In general the main temperature dependent component in the circuit isthe tank capacitor, which has been chosen to have a low temperaturecoefficient. This capacitor does have a slight effect on the accuracy ofthe circuit therefore a thermistor may be placed to measure thetemperature of the electronics and compensate the readings accordingly.

Alternatively, other types of sensor based on other sensing technologiescould be used. In that case the probes 25 and 26 may be replaced by asensor probe appropriate to the sensing technology.

Examples of alternative types of sensor that could be used are asfollows: infrared; laser; acoustic; capacitive; magnetic or Hall Effectsensors.

1.-27. (canceled)
 28. A sensor system for a fingerboard latch assemblythat comprises a latch, the sensor system comprising: at least onesensor arranged to sense the position of the latch; a sensor circuitconnected to the at least one sensor and arranged to derive a signalrepresenting the position of the latch; and a processor arranged todetermine at least one parameter of the motion of the latch from thesignal representing the position of the latch.
 29. A sensor systemaccording to claim 28, wherein said at least one parameter includes atleast one of speed of the latch, acceleration of the latch, overshoot ofthe latch or vibration of the latch.
 30. A sensor system according toclaim 28, wherein the processor is arranged to analyze the determinedparameter of the motion of the latch and on the basis thereof making aprediction of failure of the latch.
 31. A sensor system according toclaim 28, wherein the processor is arranged to analyze the determinedparameter of the motion of the latch and on the basis thereof making aprediction of behavior of the latch.
 32. A sensor system according toclaim 28, wherein the processor is arranged to analyze the determinedparameter of the motion of the latch and on the basis thereof making aprediction of a condition of the latch.
 33. A sensor system according toclaim 28, further comprising a communication circuit arranged tocommunicate the signal representing the position of the latch.
 34. Asensor system according to claim 28, wherein the sensor system furthercomprises a mounting arrangement that is mountable to the fingerboardlatch assembly, the at least one sensor being held by the mountingarrangement, the sensor system being configured so that, when mounted,the sensor is arranged to sense the position of the latch.
 35. A sensorsystem according to claim 34, wherein the at least one sensor comprisesat least one proximity sensor probe arranged to sense proximity of aportion of the latch.
 36. A sensor system according to claim 34, whereinthe mounting arrangement comprises a rigid sensor bracket that ismountable to a pair of bolts on opposite sides of the fingerboard latchassembly; and the at least one sensor comprise: a closed-positionproximity sensor probe that is configured to face downwardly when thesensor assembly is mounted to sense proximity of a crank portion of thelatch and/or a piston head in the closed position; and an open-positionproximity sensor probe that is configured to face forwardly when thesensor assembly is mounted to sense proximity of the arm of the latch inthe open position.
 37. A combination of a sensor system according toclaim 28 and a fingerboard latch assembly.
 38. A method of sensing afingerboard latch assembly that comprises a latch, the methodcomprising: sensing the position of the latch and deriving a signalrepresenting the position of the latch; and determining at least oneparameter of the motion of the latch from the signal representing theposition of the latch.
 39. A method according to claim 38, wherein saidat least one parameter includes at least one of speed of the latch,acceleration of the latch, overshoot of the latch or vibration of thelatch.
 40. A method according to claim 38, further comprising analyzingthe determined parameter of the motion of the latch and on the basisthereof predicting failure of the latch.
 41. A method according to claim38, further comprising analyzing the determined parameter of the motionof the latch and on the basis thereof predicting behavior of the latch.42. A method according to claim 38, further comprising analyzing thedetermined parameter of the motion of the latch and on the basis thereofpredicting a condition of the latch.